Job Summary
We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Care Home Chef to prepare nutritious, home-style meals that meet the needs of our residents in line with CQC standards and best practice. The ideal candidate will understand special diets, texture-modified foods, and the importance of nutrition and hydration in care settings.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan and prepare fresh, balanced, and appealing meals for residents
* Adapt menus to meet:
* Texture-modified diets (pureed, soft, IDDSI levels)
* Cultural and religious needs (Halal, vegetarian, etc.)
* Medical and special diets (diabetic, low salt, high calorie, allergies)
Ensure hydration and regular snack availability
Monitor resident preferences and collect feedback
Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene
Complete
* Temperature records
* Cleaning schedules
* Food logs and audits
Follow all food safety and infection control procedures
Order stock and manage kitchen budgets
Supervise and support kitchen assistants
Work closely with care staff, residents, and families
Requirements
Qualifications & Training
Essential
* Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate
* Allergen Awareness Training
* Infection Prevention & Control training
Desirable
* Level 2 or 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery/Catering
* Basic First Aid
* Dementia Awareness Training
Experience
* Experience in care homes, hospitals, schools, or large-scale catering
* Strong understanding of:
* Texture-modified diets
* Cultural and religious food requirements
* Special medical diets
Knowledge & Compliance
* Good working knowledge of:
* HACCP
* Environmental Health standards
* COSHH
* CQC nutrition and hydration standards
Ability to maintain accurate kitchen and food safety records
Safeguarding & Compliance
* Enhanced DBS check required
* Right to work in the UK
* Minimum of 2 references
* Safeguarding Adults training
Skills & Personal Qualities
* Compassionate and resident-focused
* Excellent time management and multitasking skills
* Strong communication skills
* Team player with leadership ability (for senior chef roles)
* Ability to follow individual care plans
How To Apply
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